Five Underrated Pennsylvania Club Teams To Watch

The state of Pennsylvania is not just known for its whoopie pies, but for some really competitive softball.

Throughout the state, it can be easy to come across some powerhouse teams. While these teams can be well-known, there are a ton of underrated, talented teams that often go unnoticed. These programs may not be super flashy, but they speak volumes when it comes to work ethic and training girls to become the next generation of college softball talent.

Below, here are five of the most underrated club softball teams in Pennsylvania. 

The 18U National team for the PA Strikers is a team that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Their track record speaks for itself, as they continue to have players commit to play college ball at every level. Known for developing their talent through a pipeline, the PA Strikers have had over 100 college recruits in the last seven years and counting. The Strikers are not just developing players on the field, but they are also making sure they are just as successful in the classroom in order for them to serve as role models for younger players. While they may not be known around the country, they are certainly a team to keep an eye on. 

Central PA’s Krunch team is making a name for itself. Coming off a really good fall season and into the summer, they are sitting at 36-18-2. The program is becoming well-established, focusing on player development with a renowned coaching staff. All tournaments they play in are aimed at getting their players more exposure to college coaches. Their primary focus is on retaining the relationships that are established between coaches and families so that the recruitment process is much simpler.

As they start to get their program off the ground, ASSA is becoming a team to look out for. With an elite indoor training facility, they are able to offer year-round training for players aged as young as 5U all the way through college. The facility offers strength and conditioning opportunities, as well as free evaluations of players. Their teams are able to train in every season and stay game-ready. With nine college commits already, and that number growing, they are definitely a program to stay in the know with.  

Off to a sizzling start this summer, the 18 Gold Panthers team currently sits at 20-4-1. Founded a little over 10 years ago, the Panthers continue to grow and develop. This particular group is one of their most resilient yet, as they dominate on the field, showcasing their determination in some challenging tournaments. The goal is to prepare their players for college games by getting them more challenged early on in their playing careers. Although they are only a gold-level team, they are playing like a national team. With elite coaches on staff and supportive parents in the stands, these players are a group to track going forward.

The 16U Invasion Fastpitch Premier is one of the most underrated teams out there. Starting their summer at 17-6, Invasion Fastpitch has some talent that shouldn’t be overlooked. With their competitive spirit and grit at a high level, even older teams have a hard time keeping them in check. Scoring 35 runs in their last tournament, their bats continue to stay hot in the midst of the current heatwave. The program has a focus on discipline and player development by its coaches. Playing in high-profile tournaments and getting college exposure with a tight-knit team culture is what makes these girls stand out.